Summer Songs

Time just continues to fly, who can believe that this time tomorrow we will be tucking into our Christmas Lunch. Sadly as it seems i have left my shopping to the last minute and havent been able to finalise what i am buying my family.

I have however been able to update my summer music playlist, music is such an integral part of my life and i dont know anyone who can lie on the beach for hours without having some tunes to help pass the time.

My top 5 summer songs
1. Flake - Jack Johnson ( to be honest any Jack Johnson gets continually replayed during my summer sessions in the sunshine. The sensual chilled out music is key to a beach summer )

2. In the Summertime - Thirsty Merc ( Aussie summer essential, especially after being the theme song for 'Bondi Rescue' )

3. Someone to be around - Six60 ( this kiwi music must have summer album was constantly on the iPod during my last few summers and my trip to Rarotonga. Absolute perfection. Everyone needs to check it out )

4. Sunsets - Powderfinger ( this song was usually being played while driving to Mona Vale in Sydney and on our road trips to Hawks Nest, Aussie rock music at its best )

5. Island in the sun - Weezer


I love constantly adding and up dating to my playlist. Lets face it we all need a soundtrack to our lives.

Half an hour left at work and I'm on my way to brave the last minute shopping madness at the mall. One of these years I will be organised and get it done early.

Enjoy your Christmas Eve
X

Summer shoes

It has been once again hectic around my part of the world and I have been using every available second making sure that i have my Christmas shopping done as early as possible for once! Every year I find it even harder than the last when it comes to getting presents for my mum and brother so I am using my friends for some much needed help and inspiration.

While i have been on my mission I of course have been browsing the shops for the latest summer trends and have found myself using alot of willpower to make sure I dont blow my budget on myself instead. Which im sure most of you are aware how hard this is!

Some of the summer wedges this year are gorgeous and I must admit I have been wanting to add a pair to my wardrobe for the past few seasons, so maybe this is the year.

Who doesn't love a simple colorful wedge to spice up an outfit. I personally am dying to find a pair to wear with shorts for those late summer nights out with my girlfriends.

Hope Dec is treating you all well.
x

Food glorious food

This has to be one of my all time fave meals and we only found the recipe for this about 6 months ago. It is a lovely and cosy risotto that goes down a treat with a cold glass of Sav. Quicky, delicious and easy. Perfect combination.

Ingredients

• 3 tbs olive oil
• 2 or 3 chorizo sticks, sliced
• 2 brown onions, peeled and diced
• 4 garlic cloves, peel and roughly chopped
• 2 cups short grain rice (arborio works a charm but costs more)
• A splash or two of white wine (optional)
• 6 to 7 cups liquid chicken stock (make it up from the powdered variety)
• 300g Portobello or button mushrooms
• A handful of grated cheese, such as edam or parmesan (optional)

In a wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the chorizo, and cook for a minute, stirring. Remove chorizo from pan and set aside. Keep the oil in the pan as it will be imbued with the rich smokiness from the chorizo. If using bacon, follow the same process.

Add the onions to the pan, cook for two minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute.

Add the rice, and cook for three minutes, or until the grains are clear. Don’t let the rice brown. Stir continuously so that it doesn’t stick.

If using wine, add it to the pan now. It will sizzle. It will smell good. Keep stirring.
Add 1 cup of the stock, stirring the rice occasionally. When the liquid has been absorbed into the rice, continue to add the stock in 1/2 cup batches. Repeat until all the stock is used - around 25 minutes. Throw in the mushrooms and the chorizo in the final ten minutes.

If using cheese, stir through just before serving.

I know that its a bit early to make New Years resolutions but I really want to start 2013 off with some new culinary delights.

Enjoy!